A Foggy Day in Milton Keynes

 Sunday. 2.10 p.m. It was foggy across Milton Keynes this morning as I attempted to drive to church. I say attempted, because there was an accident on Chaffron Way, at the junction with Strudwick Drive. I knew that something was up because there were people in hivis jackets on the roundabout near Venture Church, formerly known as M.K.C.C. (Milton Keynes Christian Centre). You may ask, why on earth change the name? It's because Milton Keynes City Council also has the same initials, since MK was made a city. Crazy name, but there it is. Then I had to wait at the junction, and I could see police in the road and further out, the mangled remains of a car at the side of the road. I could not turn right, as I wanted to, to get to church, so I had to make a left turn and eventually go around the roads near MK college and out onto Grafton Street, along Standing Way and back onto Grafton Street and onto Chaffron Way and on to church. A long and laborious route.

Monday. 8.40 a.m. Another gloomy and foggy morning. Not much you can do about it. I expect it will clear at some point during the day.

Tuesday. 2.55 p.m. It's relatively sunny today, but a strong wind is blowing.

Wednesday. 5.30 a.m. I have been rudely woken by the horrible sound of the fire alarm. It is so loud that it hurts my ears, and I went to the loo and then here, in the lounge. I have heard a vehicle turn up outside in the road, and hopefully it's the fire service. With some luck (although 'luck' doesn't come into it.) the firemen will turn the wretched thing off. Really not a good way to start the day. Horray! The horrid thing has been turned off!

Friday. 8.00 p.m. I have been continuing with the writing project. I have it more or less planned, but just needed to get down to the actual writing process.

I am hoping that, if the weather improves, I can go out with my new digital camera and do some filming. Currently, the weather has been unsettled, with a mixture of rain and blustery wind.

I am currently watching a drama series on Apple+TV, called 'Hijack.' The title alone should tell you what it's about. Starring Idris Elba. It's extremely tense and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It tells the story of an aeroplane being hijacked by a group of supposed terrorists and is in ''real time.'

The Leaves Are Falling

 Wednesday. 8.15 a.m. It's my birthday today! I'm not giving away my age. If I asked my mother how old she was, she'd say, 'I'm as old as my tongue, but a little older than my teeth.' I never really understood this as a child, but I do now.

The weather is a bit wet. I think it might be raining as I write this. The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

Thursday. 8.00 p.m. It's a somewhat wet and windy morning. There is a severe weather warning in place. I think it's a matter of 'batten down the hatches'! Probably more like 'prepare to launch the lifeboats!"

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

Friday. 9.10 a.m. I am waking up a good deal later than usual.

As I write this, the sun is shining, but as it's late October, it is likely to be chilly out.

Saturday. 8.00 a.m. The clocks go back tonight. I hope everyone at church remembers, or else some people will arrive one hour out.

The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

Sunday. 9.20 a.m. It's bright and sunny as I write this. The digital thermometer stuck at 22º

Tuesday. 8.15 a.m. It's sunny, but not particularly warm. The digital thermometer is currently reading 24ºc.

3.45 p.m. Vashti, the S.H.O. here at Dexter House, told me yesterday that there was a bookcase left in one of the flats, because the tenant has moved to a care home. I went to have a look yesterday, and there was also a chest of drawers. The family of the tenant was happy for me to have both items, so this afternoon we have moved these bits of furniture into my flat. The bookcase is now residing in a convenient space behind the television, but it will need a screw put into the wall to prevent it from tipping over. I will have to ask someone at church if they could drill a hole to fix the bookcase. Meanwhile, the chest of drawers is parked in the entrance hall and can eventually be repositioned on the other side of my bed, but there is a considerable amount of stuff in the way, which will need to be removed before the chest of drawers can be moved.

Wednesday. 8.40 a.m. A rather dull and overcast morning here in Milton Keynes. A thin fog lays over the garden as I stood and did some washing up just a moment ago and gazed out. Not exactly inspiring nevertheless.  The digital thermometer currently reads 23ºc.

12.15 p.m. I had an appointment at around 10.30 to have a covid vaccine (I don't want to call it a 'jab' as it is never a jab as such.) I had to drive to Jardine's pharmacy in Benbow Court, in Shenley, just off the main road. I've been there before to have another shot of vaccine, so I knew where to go and park. I went into the chemist shop and had to fill in a form and then sit and wait. I was soon called into the consulting room and the shot didn't take long and it was put into the upper part of my right arm. Done, left and soon back at Dexter House, but for some odd reason I missed the Chaffron Way exit and came back further along Watling Street, although there was a bit of a traffic hold-up, caused by roadworks. There were lots of orange cones in the road, but we've come to expect this around the grid roads in Milton Keynes.

The Land Where The Bong Trees Grow

 Tuesday. 7.30 a.m. I know, the title is crazy and will have nothing whatever to do with the contents of this post. But why not?

12.25 p.m. It's bright and sunny today. It may look warm and inviting, but I think it's likely to be cold outside. The digital thermometer currently reads 24 ºC.

I have had a visit from some Council staff, doing a survey about my impressions of living in Dexter House and other matters. I really don't see the point of all this. I seem to get sent endless surveys, although there is the incentive of possibly winning a draw for £150.

I have been continuing with my writing. I have spent a lot of time researching so that the information is accurate and convincing.

Thursday. 7.10 a.m. Alfie died last night. I'm devastated. He's been a huge part of my life. He has been a real companion and a source of support since Carol's death. Not only that, but he adapted so well when I moved to the flat. What more can I say? He has been mentioned so much in these posts. 

12.10 p.m. I rang the vet at 8.30 and took Alfie to be cremated. I needed to get this done as soon as possible. I don't like leaving things that need doing undone. I can relax now, even though it was heartbreaking. It is odd coming back to a flat without him there. I will give his things, bowls, and remaining food to a couple at church who have dogs.

Friday, 7.10 a.m. So, the first morning waking up without Alfie. It's strange, as there's none of his sounds, the hollow breathing, his tap-tap-tap of his feet on the floor. It will take a lot of adjusting.

Yesterday afternoon I went for lunch with my friends Mike and Margaret. On the way back, and driving along the part of Chaffron Way running past Oldbrook, I noticed that there was one of those digital displays that tells you to slow down. It has a smiley face that comes on when you reach the correct speed. The whole section has been resurfaced, and the speed limit has been reduced to 40. But then, when you go further on, past Eaglestone and on to the roundabout on Marlborough Street, there is no 40 M.P.H speed limit. Then, along Saxon Street, running past the Milton Keynes Academy and Milton Keynes Hospital, there is a further 40 m.p.h. speed limit, which a lot of people ignore, or pretend to, because when I have turned off the roundabout, there is almost always a car directly behind me, attempting, or so it seems to me, to get me to speed up.

Wild and Windy

 Wednesday. 7.30 a.m. The weather has changed for the worse. It's really windy and wet out this morning. 

Thursday. 7.25 a.m. A shade murky this morning. The digital thermometer currently reads 23ºc.

Yesterday, I went to my friend Mike, who has Parkinson's, whilst his wife Margaret went to a meeting. Driving there, I had to cross Marlborough Street, and roadworks were going on, with red barriers up. I'm not exactly clear what they're doing, but, as there's been a lot of resurfacing work going on across Milton Keynes recently, I thought it might be something to do with that. On the way back after 4 o'clock, I came up Chaffron Way and got to the roundabout crossing Marlborough Street. I would normally have continued on along Chaffron Way, but it was closed off, so I had to turn left into Marlborough Street and continue on and round near the hospital and on to Oldbrook and home. I realise they have to do maintenance of the road system, but you very rarely get an advance warning of these works, and then have to do a somewhat circuitous detour around the place to get to wherever you were intending to go.

We were told that a yellow weather warning was in place yesterday. The possibility of torrential rain and then flash flooding. It started to get dark when I was at Mike and Margaret's, and then it began to rain, but certainly not the heavy rain as forecast. It was over in around 10 minutes, and then the sun came out. Driving home, there was absolutely no sign that it had been raining. No puddles, nothing. We were watching television, which is supplied by Freesat. The television signal began to break up, and for a while it shut down completely. It came back eventually.

Friday. 1.45 p.m. I had ordered a trowel on Amazon, as I mentioned a day or two ago. Unfortunately, for some reason, it had to be signed for. You had to be over 18. Well, I'm well over 18! It was supposed to have been delivered on Wednesday, and I was expecting it to come during the evening. I got a message from Amazon to tell me that they had attempted to deliver it at around 3 p.m., but couldn't deliver it because there was no answer. Well, I was sitting with Mike at that time, and then they said it would come yesterday at 1 p.m. I was out again! I gave up and cancelled the trowel and should get a refund. I can't think why you would need to sign for the thing. I can understand if it was a knife, but a trowel? Hardly a dangerous item. You could hardly use it to stab someone. I do realise they have a responsibility for making sure some items don't get into the wrong hands. But a trowel?? So, this morning I went to The Range and bought a trowel and a hand fork. I only wish now that I had gone there in the first place.

Funny Sunny

 Monday. 7.40 a.m. It's sunny but a good deal cooler this morning. My digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

I woke up a good deal later than usual. I can't think why, but I do feel refreshed.

Wednesday. 11.10 a.m. I've been to Sainsbury's. I have mentioned this before, but they've been moving stuff around yet again. You get used to where things are, then somebody thinks it's a great idea to move everything around. So, the result is, you get frustrated and spend most of your time going up and down the aisles hunting like crazy.

5.05 p.m. Oldbrook Boulevard is currently being resurfaced. I was aware of a 'Road Closed' sign up at the junction with Chaffron Way the other day, on my way to church on Sunday morning, but I wasn't sure what it was referring to. Then, this morning, on my way to Sainsbury's, there was a sign saying 'road closed' but it was somewhat ambiguous, as it was for the right-hand turn into Oldbrook Boulevard. The left-hand direction had already been resurfaced. The surface is far better now and a vast improvement on the rather poor surface, full of potholes and uneven.

Saturday. 10.30 a.m. I went to Lidl this morning because I didn't have anything for this evening's meal. It's only a short journey along Oldbrook Boulevard, and I can get in and out quickly. I am getting used to their self-service tills and used the Lidl app on my phone, although I almost left it behind, on the machine, except a vigilant member of staff waved it at me before I went out the door. 

There is light rain this morning. It is needed because everything is so dry. The digital thermometer currently reads 25ºc.

Sunday. 7.45 a.m. The digital thermometer currently reads 23ºc, meaning it's much cooler and sleeping is better.

Tuesday. 10.30 a.m. I had a bit of a meltdown yesterday, both metaphorically and physically, at lunchtime. I always have a snack around 11-11.30, usually toast, with cheese, peanut butter, jam or something else, with yoghurt, an apple and crisps. I made the toast in the toaster and chopped up the cheese on my chopping board, on the top of the oven, which has a ceramic hob, so, when switched off, makes an extra surface to work on, which is somewhat limited in my tiny kitchen. I went into the lounge to watch television and ate my snack. For whatever reason, I went back into the kitchen, having finished watching television. I was aware of smoke and a smell which I didn't recognise, and then saw that the chopping board and knife were melting on the ring, which was on. They both have elements of plastic in them; the chopping board is completely made of plastic, and the handle of the knife is plastic. Somehow or other, the ring had come on, probably by my accidentally touching the control knob on the front of the oven. There was a considerable amount of molten plastic on the surface of the ceramic hob. I thought immediately to switch off the oven. It was at this point that the fire alarm went off. The kitchen was by now full of smoke, which would have been what set off the fire alarm. Around five minutes or so a fire engine arrived outside in the street, and several minutes later, three firemen came into my flat. I showed them what had happened, and they opened all the windows. They could see that there was no fire and told me I could evacuate the flat, and so I took Alfie with me. 

I sat in the entrance area of Dexter House. There was no SHO on duty, so there was nobody to support me at this time. One of the other residents offered me a cup of tea, so we went to her flat, which is along the other corridor to my flat. It allowed me to reflect on what had happened. I could not remain in the flat while it was full of possibly toxic fumes. I had Alfie with me, and he must have wondered what on earth was going on. After drinking my tea, I thanked the lady and decided to return to my flat. The fumes had dispersed, and I looked at the damage to the knife, which was melted and totally unusable, as well as the cutting board, which had a large hole melted right through, and was also unusable.

Thursday. 8.20 a.m. Yesterday, late, our SHO at Dexter House phoned me, because she had seen an email regarding the situation in my kitchen. She said, perhaps the best solution to preventing a similar incident from happening with the oven would be to turn it off at the wall socket, which makes sense, and, as a result, I have switched it off at the wall socket.

Hunkey Dory!

 Monday. 9.35 a.m. It's a good deal cooler this morning. The digital thermometer currently reads 24ºc. 

The drains are to be cleared. Oh, happy day! That is, along the corridor in which my flat is. We can't flush the toilet, have a shower or wash up in the kitchen and let out the water. I have already done the washing up, so there's no problem with that, don't currently need a shower, but I don't know about flushing the toilet. Such is the fun at Dexter House.

Tuesday. 8.00 a.m. It's a good deal cooler again this morning. My digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc, so a 2º drop on yesterday's temperature.

3.55 p.m. I've just taken Alfie out, to the usual spot on the grass alongside Strudwick Drive. There were quite a few people walking along the path, a lot of them from Milton Keynes Academy, which is just the other side of Chaffron Way. Then I saw a group of around three youths, on electric scooters, the sort I mention regularly on here, riding along the road. To me, this is extremely dangerous, because they could easily get hit by a car, or fall over in the road. If this was to happen, the chances are they would be killed. As they rode on, going past The Cricketers public house, one of the male youths was weaving in and out of the centre of the road and at that point, a few cars were driving behind the group. As I have said, it only needed a slight misjudgement and a wobble, and that youth could have fallen off his scooter and into the path of one of those cars.

Wednesday.2.25. p.m. I booked a haircut this morning, online, and have been to the appointment, which was a 1.40 p.m. I drove to Unity Place, where the barbers is. I parked the car and then walked to the ticket machine. I thought it would have a slot for my £1 coin, but there wasn't one, so I attempted to use the card reader facility. You have to key in your car's registration number, but I still have no idea whether it worked. No ticket issued and nothing came up on the screen. Just so annoying. I walked into Unity Place, and saw a statue of a cow. What on earth is the significance of a COW?? I have absolutely no idea.

Friday. 8.35 a.m. Washing in washing machine, washing-up more or less done. Floors mopped (actually partially) Alfie asleep in his bed, the sun is out and it's still warm. My digital thermometer currently reads 27ºc. 

4.35 p.m. Unfortunately, when I went to do my washing this morning, I found the drier I normally use was out of action. So, I had to use the second one, which I rarely use. By the time my washing was done and I need to use the dryer, I put everything in it and hit the first button. There is no help anywhere to show which button does what and for how long, so when I came back an hour later, the load wasn't entirely dry. I put the drier back on for ten minutes, but even then it didn't dry completely. This meant I took the load back to my flat and put most of it on the drying rack in the bathroom.

I have been continuing with editing and revising my writing. It's going well. I am rounding out some of the characters and adding some new ones. Also, doing a bit of research to get some details right, and this should help give the piece some realism.

The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring

Friday. 8.20 a.m. The whole place has flowers blooming like mad. If you drive along Chaffron Way towards Marlborough Street, you will see primroses blooming all along the grassed verges. Really beautiful. Trees have blossom, and hedges rich in white hawthorn blossom. The hedge alongside the path towards Oldbrook Green, which I believe is beech, has grown rapidly and needs trimming.

Saturday. 6.30 a.m. I have just returned from taking Alfie out. It's turned quite overcast and I wasn't sure whether it was raining. 'Sort of' spitting, as my mother would say. 

10.15 a.m. I have been wondering why the DJI Pocket 2 camera cuts out after around 15 minutes of filming. It has done this several times, so I did some research on the internet and discovered that it might be because the memory card hadn't been formatted. This I have now done and then I did a test by taking it out and recording as I walked around Oldbrook Green. It was a success, but when I came to view the footage, almost immediately after I got back to the flat, it cut out, and I got a message telling me it had closed down because it was overheating. I think it would therefore be obvious that it will need to film for no more than 15 minutes, and then switched off, to allow it to cool down.

Sunday. 7.15 a.m. A really beautiful and sunny morning. I took Alfie out as usual and was surprised that the grass was littered with leaves. I think it may be due to the lack of rain, which we seriously need.

8.55 a.m. Oh dear! Having written the above, I now have to mention that it is now raining, although a bit half-heartedly. A bit thin and undramatic. I doubt it will make much of a difference. We need torrential rain. We are being told, via the media, that there is the possibility of a drought situation in this country. Crazy, but true. Just typical British weather! I imagine someone is going to put it down to climate change.

Monday. 8.00 a.m. Today would have been Carol and my 18th wedding anniversary. I will just get on with things as usual. Such as sorting out the recycling and putting out the rubbish, doing the washing up. I think she would be happy to know that I have things to do, such as my writing, family research, and photography. 

The morning has begun with sunshine and warmth. It is a bank holiday Monday, so it's a rarity to have decent weather.

6.15 p.m.I had two phone calls this morning. Each time I went to answer, but it rang off. I expected the first one to be one of those confounded cold calls, trying to sell me double-glazing or similar. The second time it rang, I was asleep on my bed and managed to get to the phone in time to speak to my friend, Margaret, from church. She was inviting me to a cream tea afternoon at her flat with her husband, Mike, who has Parkinson's. I said I'd be there at 3 p.m. When I arrived, a few minutes later some more of the Thursday Morning Life Group arrived and had scones, cream, and jam, which was really pleasant.

Tuesday. 1.30 p.m. It's now raining as I write. I wasn't expecting it when I took Alfie out around 45 minutes ago

Wednesday. 1.35 p.m. I had quite a few parcels arrive from Amazon mid-afternoon yesterday. The grip for the Sony digital camera, a microphone set, a holder for SD cards, and a book. I have been attempting to connect the grip to the camera via Bluetooth, but without much success. I have been watching videos on YouTube in an attempt to fathom out the procedure to get this camera connected, but without solving the problem, but I will continue to do so until it is resolved.

Everything's Coming Up Roses! (Or Is It? Probably not . . . )

 Friday. 2.00 p.m. It's been sunny and pleasant so far today. When I took Alfie out at around 6.15 there was a rosy-red sky.

I wanted to go to Lidl after 9 o'clock this morning. I usually drive around the block and onto Oldbrook Boulevard along Truman Place, which runs alongside Dexter House, but, on arrival at the roundabout on Oldbrook Boulevard, I discovered that the road was closed and an army of workmen in bright orange overalls. This meant I had to return to Dexter Avenue and then onto Strudwick Drive, turn right onto Chaffron Way, go right around the grid, and enter Oldbrook from Grafton Street. No real problem in all this, but a bit annoying as I wasn't aware of the road closure until I got to it. This seems to happen regularly all around Milton Keynes, mainly when they have been resurfacing parts of the grid road network.

I took Alfie out again a few minutes ago and I could see the workmen with a large lorry with 'Tarmac' written on it and another machine which I believe lays the new surface. I have to say I quite like the smell of tar. Is that odd? I seem to remember a play I did in Liverpool in the 1970's, which I think was called 'June Evening' (I covered the book for this production.) and one of the characters talked about tar being used to clear the chest of a baby, who was held over a barrel of hot tar. Strange how such things come back as a memory.

When I had completed my shopping in Lidl, I had to use a self-service till (they had only one manned till open, even though the store was busy.) I had problems getting items to scan, but a young lady who is there for such an incident managed to scan my shopping. I don't know why this happens. It's odd, though, that you are supposed to scan from right to left, which isn't the standard way of doing things. Or is it just me? Most things are operated from left to right, which seems more logical.

Saturday. 7.50 a.m. Another bright and sunny but cold, which I discovered earlier when Alfie and I went outside.

Sunday. 7.25 a.m. I had no idea that the clocks went forward today. I think it happened at 1 a.m., so I suppose that means it's today. There was nothing about it on the news yesterday, and no sort of reminder. Also, it's Mothering Sunday. Please, not Mother's Day, which is an American institution. Whatever it is, it's yet another way for businesses to make money, similar to Valentine's Day or, dare I say it, Hallow'een. 

I have a subscription to The Daily Telegraph. It's for digital, meaning I don't have the print paper and can read via the app and also the website. My current subscription ends in April and I had an email to inform me the next year's subscription would be around £200. I was keen that this amount didn't come out of my bank account and was prepared at that point to cancel the subscription. So, yesterday morning I rang the callcentre to discuss cancellation. The friendly man the other end was understanding but then wanted to offer me a cheaper deal. He first said '£150', but I refused that. The £99.' Again, I refused. Gradually it went down until it was £39, which I accepted. It just goes to show, you don't need to go with the first offer on something like this and it makes you wonder how many people take the first offer, not knowing that you can beat them down. I presume he didn't want me to disappear and not have a subscription, but it was worth it in the end.

Rain!

 Tuesday. 8.15 a.m. As I write this, I can hear rain, and see it through my window.

Thursday. 8.10 a.m. It is getting a good deal colder. Well, I suppose it's to be expected, now that we are into October. 

I am taking Alfie to The Groom Room in Pets At Home in Bletchley to have a haircut. I have already put the cage in the back of the car. First, I need to go to the petrol station in Childs Way to diesel in the car, as it is running low. The appointment at The Groom Room isn't until 11 o'clock, but I like to be organised and have things ready beforehand.

4.05 p.m. I went to get fuel at the Mobil station in Childs Way, as mentioned above. It was just after 9 a.m. But done and then came back to Dexter House.

At around 10.35 I left to drive to Pets At Home, and coming out of Strudwick Drive and onto Chaffron Way, I was expecting to get to the Eaglestone roundabout and turn right into Saxon Street as I normally do when driving to Pets At Home. But, coming out of Oldbrook, I immediately discovered that the road was closed off, and I had to make a detour through the estate near Milton Keynes Academy and come out on Grafton Street and make a circuitous journey to get onto Saxon Street and get straight to Bletchley, driving past the football stadium. So, you can imagine the frustration of all this, particularly as I'd left earlier than I needed to, but, considering the extra journey time due to the diversion, it was probably just as well.

When I eventually got to the car park outside Pets At Home, it had begun to rain. I got Alfie out of the back of the car. As usual, he wanted to jump down, and he was barking loudly. I carried him into Pets At Home and walked through to The Groom Room, which is at the back of the store. I went in and the ladies who do the grooming were still working on another dog, but I went through how I wanted Alfie clipped and explained that Alfie had a lump on his side, which they checked out. It doesn't appear to be sinister, but it was a good idea to let them know before they began clipping him. Because he is getting old, his eyesight is poor, and he has problems with his joints, it was decided to reduce any stress to him and just give him a short trim, clear off the mess around his face and, if there was a problem, they would ring me on my mobile, because, when I left, I went into Gregg's, a few doors along from Pets At Home, to have a coffee and salad baguette. Sure enough, barely 15 minutes after I had left The Groom Room, I got a call to say that Alfie was getting stressed and that they would cut short what would normally be around an hour for a grooming session. I returned to discuss things, and they said that they could clear the mess around his face and give him a bit of a bath, which I agreed to, and waited in the vets' area until he was finished. So, I paid for the groom and got another session booked for the first week in January.

Sunday. 2.20 p.m. Yesterday afternoon I went out with the DJI Pocket to experiemnt with taking video footage. I went to Campbell Wharf Marina. It seemed the ideal place to go with the camera. I'd been there on Tuesday, with Pastor Ross. We had coffee in a new coffee shop I've never been to before. Infact, I'd never been to this area of Milton Keynes before. I had been to the canal further on with Alfie, and I think I'd been there with Carol and our dogs. As it turned out, it wasn't an entirely successful mission because it was quite cloudy and overcast and I couldn't find a way to get down to the wharf where the narrow boats were moored. I did get some footage, which I have since viewed, but, as it was just an experimental operation, not entirely a waste of time, becuse I merely wanted to find out how the various features of the camera worked.

October Begins

 Tuesday. 8.10 a.m. So, here we are in October. I can't believe that the summer is more or less over. It is definitely getting colder. On Sunday, I went to church without a jacket or coat of any kind, but I think it will probably be the last time and next week I will have to wear my jacket or at least a fleece or jumper.

Thinking about the drive to church, I was minding my own business, driving at a reasonable speed along Chaffron Way, after coming out of Strudwick Drive. This driver comes up behind me, attempting to get me to drive faster. I don't like it when I get tailgated like that, as I've probably mentioned in these posts somewhere or other. Well, I was driving along, when suddenly this idiot driver overtook me, driving on the 'restricted' part of the road in the centre. By restricted, I mean marked in red. It really shook me, and, fortunately for that driver, there wasn't anything coming in the other direction.

We've had a great deal of rain over the last week or so. There's a great deal of flooding all around Milton Keynes and neighbouring villages and towns. The A421 dual carriageway, which runs between the M1, Milton Keynes to Bedford, is completely flooded on this side of Marston Moreteyne. In some places it is around 8 feet deep, so, as a result, it has been shut. There have been attempts to pump off the water, but, as there's no river to pump the water into, it will be a long time until it gets clear and can be used by traffic again. Goodness knows how traffic will get through that area by avoiding that stretch of the road, but I expect it will take some complicated route to get to Bedford and beyond, no doubt going through local villages which were bypassed when this new stretch of dual carriageway was opened.

Wednesday. 7.45 a.m. As a result of the various incidents I have endured, driving around Milton Keynes, and elsewhere, and involving other drivers, cutting me up, tailgating me and generally bad behaviour on the road, I long ago thought it might be an idea to invest in a dash cam. So I bought one through Amazon. But it's difficult choosing the right one, and I wanted one which would be able to view the road in front as well as behind. Then, with so many to choose from, which was going to be best for what I wanted, It's a bit like potluck in a way, because it isn't until you get the thing and set it up do you discover whether it's suitable for the job. I have the front camera set up but have, as yet, to deal with the rearview camera.

Thursday. 7.25 a.m. We're going out a good deal later. I suppose it's because it's dark until around 6.30, although I do have a small torch to see what I'm doing with Alfie.

I am going to get back to some writing, but I need to have something to write on, so I have ordered some writing pads from Viking, an online stationery supplier. We don't have Staples any more in Milton Keynes, where it was possible to just walk in, have a look around and buy there and then. A great shame. I think they have an online presence, but it's not the same as just being able to go in and buy a product there and then. It looks like a lot of businesses are going that way. It will take a day or two for the order to arrive, obviously.

Friday. 7.55 a.m. There was a thin fog when I took out Alfie at around 7 o'clock. But as I am writing this, the sun is out, although it is somewhat weak and the fog has cleared.

I have bought a mini video camera from Amazon. It is a DJI pocket 2 and I ordered it at the beginning of the week and it arrived yesterday. I think it came from somewhere overseas, but I'm not sure where exactly. This would explain why it took several days to get here. I am currently figuring out how it functions, but it connects to my iPhone and you install an app on that to install software and learn how to use it. For something so tiny, which sits in your hand, it seems quite sophisticated and even has a wireless microphone. It will take a few days before I can make use of it. 

9.50 a.m. I think I have managed to set up the DJI Pocket. I have it on charge at the moment, but when it is fully charged, I intend to go out around Oldbrook Boulevard and 'give it a go.' For something so small, it certainly packs a punch. I have watched some of the footage I took yesterday when I first set it up, through my iPhone. I would like to watch some of it through my Firestick on my television. I'm going to have a lot of fun with this! Watch this space!

11.00 a.m. I have just been around Oldbrook Green with the DJI Pocket. I trust the thing has worked and I can watch the video that resulted.

Hot And Humid

Friday. 7.30 a.m. I am waking up a good deal later than usual, which is a good thing. It may be because it's so warm at the moment. I am working on Ancestry until quite late. I have fans running in my bedroom and the lounge, and the window is open. The digital thermometer is currently reading 26ºc. 

Saturday. 10.10 a.m. Incidentally, it's not the Saturday following on from the Friday of the above post. It's about two weeks later. 

The digital thermometer currently reads 24ºc, a good deal cooler than of late, thank goodness.

I had my hair cut on Wednesday. It was getting to the point where it needed trimming, so I booked an appointment online on Tuesday. 

Thursday morning, the Bible Study group met up at Mursley Farm Shop. I drove to the Oaktree Centre and was taken by Jennie, who leads the group. Virtually the entire length of Chaffron Way was lined with yellow traffic cones. I suspect that it was because of some sort of concert at the Bowl, which is en route to the Oaktree Centre. I imagined that any concert at the Bowl would be either in the evening, say, after 5 p.m., or at the weekend. But I am totally wrong on that count, so we have been bludgeoned over the head (or so it seems.) by loud drumming sounds coming from the direction of the bowl. This morning (Saturday) it started early, around 9 o'clock. At first, I thought it was from a car radio outside in the street, but, having stuck my head out of the window to have a look, I couldn't see a car and then realised it was coming from The Bowl. Considering that The Bowl is around two miles away from Oldbrook, it showed how loud it was. I can't imagine I would be the only person to be annoyed by such noise.

Sunday. 1.55 p.m. It was my turn on the rota to set up for Communion. I had to provide bread, which I had bought in Sainsbury's and then set up the trays which hold the little plastic cups which take the wine (actually not wine but blackcurrant squash.) It's then quite fiddly to put just the right amount into these cups with a bottle which has a tube in its cap which allows you to squeeze just the right amount into each cup.

I was expecting a clear run-up Chaffron Way to church this morning, but I soon discovered that many roads were closed off because of the 'event' at the Bowl, and, as a result, I had to make a detour to get to the Oaktree Centre.

Tuesday. 6.35 a.m. It's a sunny morning. The digital thermometer currently reads 26ºc, so a much better temperature to live with.

Jolly, Jolly Good!

Saturday. 1.05 p.m. We had our monthly men's breakfast at the Oaktree Centre this morning. I had intended to go to Aldi at West Croft, but when I came out of the Oaktree Centre and got to the junction onto Chaffron Way, there was so much traffic that I decided to turn left towards the centre of Milton Keynes and go to Sainsbury's to get a replacement for the joint of beef I had to return yesterday because it was around three months past it's 'best before' date. I went to pay and went into one of the areas with self-service tills inside and scanned and paid, and then this woman came up to me, a member of Sainsbury's staff, asked me if I had used a scanner, and I said no, but I couldn't get the app to work on my iPhone and she responded by telling me if I had a Nectar card I could use one of the hand-held scanners for the job and, in effect, I should use that particular self-service tell because it was meant for those who scanned with a hand-held scanner. A real sense of being well and truly told off, so I'm sure I won't forget it in a hurry.

Sunday. 7.20 a.m. Bright and sunny start of Sunday. That's all I have to say today.

Monday. 8.30 a.m. I wasn't sure whether it had been raining overnight, because I looked out of the kitchen window I couldn't be definite because I couldn't see signs of the path across the garden being wet, but when I went out with Alfie, there was a sort of drizzle, but, as I write this, it's bright and sunny. 

The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

3.20 p.m. It's still sunny, but there is quite a strong wind.

Thursday. 6.35 a.m. Another seemingly bright and sunny day. The digital thermometer currently reads 23ºc. 

I don't know whether I have mentioned this, but, when I had the recent blood test done at Central Milton Keynes Medical Centre, it was found that I had a high level of sugar in my blood. As a result, it had been suggested I take part in a course to help reduce my chances of becoming diabetic, so I have made an appointment to start the course, and then I had a telephone assessment done on Monday afternoon.

Friday. 7.40 a.m. Washing day again. The excitement is overwhelming! Everything in the machine and it's doing its job. So that will be done in around 50 minutes or so.

A bright and sunny morning. The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

I'm currently reading a book entitled 'Churchill's Most Secret Airfield: R.A.F. Tempsford,' written by Bernard O'Connor. I only discovered this airfield from looking at Google Maps and seeing it identified. It's interesting what you find when you look at Google Maps. I lived around 15 miles away from this site, living in Cardington and Cople, as well as having a job in Everton as a support worker in a residential home for people with learning disabilities, which was only a mile or so away from this site. Like a lot of these places which were used during the Second World War, and in particular, Bletchley Park, which isn't far from where I now live in Milton Keynes, they were kept secret and have only until recently been revealed to be a major part of the war effort and many of those who worked there have only very come forward to tell of the secret work done there.  R.A.F. Tempsford was used as a base for agents of the S.O.E. (Special Operations Executive), who were flown into enemy territory in occupied France and other countries, and then parachuted in to engage with the resistance to cause havoc to Nazi defences and help bring about the liberation of France. The book is excellent, but it is printed in a minuscule type, which makes it quite difficult to read.

Saturday. 8.30 a.m. It's bright and sunny. Yippee! The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

11.45 a.m. I've been to Sainsbury's. I went a good deal earlier because it's Saturday. As I went out to the car, there was a light rain, but nothing to worry about. I know that Alfie won't like it, as he doesn't appreciate getting wet. So much for saying it was bright and sunny. Just typical British weather.

A Little Heart And Soul

 Wednesday. 7.15 a.m. I have worn the heart monitor since yesterday afternoon. One of the contacts came off yesterday, probably because I was so hot, so I managed to use Sellotape to reattach it. It takes some time to get used to having the thing attached, so I couldn't shave this morning because I must not get it wet. I haven't done any washing up, so there's still dirty pots and pans in the sink. It will have to wait until tomorrow, after I've been to return the heart monitor. 

I was just thinking about the heart monitor. It's small and relatively easy to deal with. You have to plan ahead when you need to do anything, which was what I did when I went to bed last night. I was conscious of it becoming disconnected from my chest, that it might fall on the floor and that it would get in the way, and I was likely to lay on it. I didn't. Then I compared it with the complex and bulky heart monitoring system I had to put up with when I was last in hospital. I had no end of contacts placed on my body, and it was all connected to a large monitor, which kept on bleeping if I moved only slightly, and it was more or less impossible to sleep at night or lay down with all the cables everywhere. Surely they could have used a similar monitor to the one I have on at the moment.

Thursday. 6.15 a.m. It's foggy this morning. It's not thick and is likely to clear as soon as the sun gets warm.

I have had more problems with the heart monitor, because one of the contacts keeps on coming off, and I have had to use Sellotape to keep it on. Also, it's very itchy around the point where these contacts are stuck on my skin.

10.55 a.m. At around 9.20 I drove to the hospital to return the heart monitor. I must have made a wrong turning somewhere on the route, because I landed up goodness know where, somewhere down Chaffron Way, but I managed to get back on track and got onto Marlborough Street, which runs alongside Eaglestone and went into the hospital campus and then park in the street-level car park without any problems, where Carol and I used to park when she was going for chemotherapy. I went into the cardiology department and handed over the heart monitor and then returned to the car park and found, on putting the card in the machine which you pay, I found the barrier lifted without me having to pay, which is not surprising, as I was there for no more than five minutes. I then drove towards the ESSO filling station in Childs Way, to put some diesel in the car, ready for my journey to Chipping Norton on Saturday morning.

Then I drove to Sainsbury's (you never would have guessed, or would you?) Some stocking up was in order, and then back to Dexter House.

9.00 p.m. I got a letter this morning, from the Cardiology department at Milton Keynes Hospital (no, that isn't exactly correct, The letter had an address in Bristol, as the return to sender address. Which would suggest it wasn't sent from Milton Keynes Hospital.) Never mind. I have an appointment there on 19th June at 9.30 a.m. The appointment is supposed to take three hours, in which time they will be various tests, my weight will be taken and no doubt I will be put on a treadmill, to check my heart function and so on. I am only working on supposition, but I do have some idea what they are likely to do with me.

When I was there the other day, I was intrigued by the door with the title 'Echo Room.' I know, it's for doing tests on heart patients, using some sort of echo test (I think I've had it done at some point or other. I have an idea that the procedure is called an echocardiogram) But I can't help having this picture, in my vivid imagination, even though it's totally crazy, that it's a sort of vast echo chamber, where people go to let of steam, when they are having a terrible day, for example, so they go in there, shut the door and shout at the walls, and it echoes back at them (presumably it's totally sound-proofed?) I know, it is bonkers, but, if you've read some of my earlier posts, you will have realized that I am somewhat bonkers. 

All Change!

Saturday. 9.55 a.m. I have returned from Sainsbury's, where I have done a pop-up shop. 

The travelater, that is, the moving 'slope' (for want of a better description) which takes you from the underground car park up to the shop floor, isn't currently operating. The DOWN one works, but not the UP. There have been repairs going on with these machines over quite a considerable period, but it doesn't seem to have made much difference to the travelator

I had a list of items, which made it easier and quicker to shop. But some items have been moved to different locations, particularly bath sponges. They have been located in the same place all the time I've been shopping in this branch of Sainsbury's, so I had to ask a member of staff and he was helpful and I managed to locate two bath sponges!

On the way into the store, having came up on the travelater, (which wasn't moving. A rather strange experience, because your eyes try to make it seem as if the thing is moving when it isn't. I can't explain it any other way.) I noticed some small Christmas trees on a display unit. I went to have a closer look. They were complete with battery-operated lights and at £10 seemed good value. I went through the barrier (which is the latest addition to the store.) I found I couldn't get to the Christmas trees without setting off an alarm. So, I had to ask another member of staff to allow me near enough to the Christmas tree display to select one so that I could buy it. Another mission accomplished.

I learnt, on the BBC Breakfast programme this morning, that Booths, a north of England supermarket chain, is removing self-service tills from almost all their stores, because of the feedback they have had from customers. They will put back staff on tills to replace them. Let's hope that this is the start of a return to common sense and that other stores, such as Sainsbury's, return to manned tills. It doesn't make sense when they have to have staff close by the self-service tills for when they go wrong, as they always seem to do when I use one in Sainsbury's. 

Sunday. 2.15 p.m. It's been raining this morning, and it's really colder. Definitely autumnal, murky and very low light when driving to church along Chaffron Way this morning.

Monday. 12.30 p.m. It was quite a shock early this morning, when I took Alfie out, to discover that it was raining. Not too hard, but enough to get a drenching. But as I write this, considerably later, it's sunny and bright, but there's a strong wind blowing.

Tuesday. 9.30 a.m. Here I am in my flat, not going to Camphill. Never mind, I have the possibility of voluntary work with Bridge Builder. I have an interview there at 2 o'clock this afternoon.

There is a large amount of fallen leaves outside on the grass where I take Alfie, alongside Strtudwick Drive. He doesn't like being taken through it, so I carried him to the leaf-free section of the grass.

An electric scooter lies in the grass, where it has been since yesterday morning. I moved it onto the grass, as it was likely to be in the way of anyone walking along the patch, most particularly someone pushing a child in a buggy or someone in a wheelchair. These things are left, presumably, when their batteries run out. I was surprised by how heavy it was. No doubt someone will come along and collect it at some point during the day.

Good Morning Sunshine!

 Friday. 7.50 a.m. Already been out with Alfie, He was barking at me when he saw me getting ready. It's sunny and warm, but I am hoping we get rain soon, as it's too much. The digital thermometer reads 23ºC. On the weather forecast on BBC Breakfast, they were saying we might expect rain over the weekend. As much as I love it bright and sunny, I really can't cope with it being too hot. Alfie can't cope either.

I've done washing up, put rubbish out and washing in the washing machine. It should be done at around 8.40.

I saw a cat climbing a tree as Alfie and I walked towards Oldbrook Green. I don't think I have ever seen such a thing. It was clinging onto the trunk of the tree and then, when it saw me, it decided to come down and ran off into the tree-filled space between the rear of Dexter House and the next property, which is SIA (Spinal Injuries Association.)

6.35 p.m. I've mentioned in an earlier post my intention of selling my old iPad. It was bought during the pandemic lockdowns, but it didn't work with an Apple Pencil, which was originally why I wanted an iPad. I have to admit I didn't do my research and I now have a more powerful iPad Pro which works with my Apple Pencil. Having got all my data removed from the old iPad, I wanted to find a way to sell it. I went to the Apple Store in Midsummer Place this morning, to check that it was completely free of my data, and they did a diagnostic test to check for its technical specifications. It passed, and I was offered £120 for it, except this would only be paid as an Apple voucher.

 I wanted cash, so went to C.E.X. in the main shopping centre for a quote. The quote I got was £145, which I was more than pleased with. I had to wait 30 minutes, so they could do a security check on the iPad. I imagine they get quite a few stolen items, so they need to do a security check to make sure. My iPad is clean, so I got my payment in cash. I went to Nationwide and paid in most of the cash into my account and had some in change. We have another of the famous Shenley Christian Fellowship quiz night and I required £1 coins for that. It's this Friday evening. I went to Boots to buy Feroglobin and, as there are fewer manned tills, I had to use a self-service till. Just a pain, and as usual this one was particularly irksome. Do I need to say more? It was the same in Sainsbury's about 15 minutes later when I went in to buy one or two items. 

7.55 a.m. There's a possibility of rain sometime today or tomorrow. As it is, looking out of the window this morning, it's quite overcast.

Current temperature on my digital thermometer reads 22ºC. 

10.15 a.m. I've been to Waitrose. I use glycerin soap because other soap dries up my facial skin, and it appears that they are the only supermarket which sells it. Sainsbury used  to, but don't any longer. I think, in general, most people use liquid hand soap or shower gel. 

Having unpacked my shopping, I took Alfie out, and I saw two police horses come from the direction of The Cricketers pub and cross over Strudwick Drive and go towards Fishermead. I know these horses are kept in a field along Chaffron Way. Great to see them, and they are so well turned out.

When I came out of the door onto Strudwick Drive, there was a slight fall of rain. It was so slight that by the time we had walked halfway to Oldbrook Green, it had stopped. Not even enough to settle the dust.

4.15 p.m. It's a good deal cooler. As I write this, the digital thermometer reads 25ºC. The weather forecast suggests there will be thunderstorms soon. 

'Twas On A Monday Morning . . .

Monday. 6.25 a.m. Out and about bright and early as usual. Alfie barked at me when I was getting myself organized in the bathroom.

7.45 p.m. I went to the Monday Club at the Oaktree Centre this afternoon. I took the cake tin I'd bought in Sainsbury's the other day, and it had all the scones I'd made in it.

On leaving Monday Club, and driving out of Wallinger Drive towards the junction with Chaffron Way, I couldn't but notice orange cones in the road and a police car and other vehicles across the road. As I approached to turn onto Chaffron Way, it was clear that there had been quite a nasty traffic accident, with one car with a side torn out and another in the main carriageway. In fact, that vehicle was blocking half of the road and I had to maneuver around it to get into the correct lane. Quite a heavy police and ambulance presence. I'm not certain how the incident happened, but it might have been because someone was turning out of Wallinger Drive onto Chaffron Way. It's not always such a good idea to turn right from these junctions, and it's so much easier and safer to turn left and then go to the next roundabout and come right around and face back onto the carriageway, which is what I do when I'm coming out of Strudwick Drive and actually intending to turn right. Just a short distance to the roundabout near Eaglestone and come back round and back onto Chaffron Way.

Wednesday. 5.20 a.m. So, where did Tuesday go? I just didn't seem to have time to write anything about it here. Give me time and I will attempt to write something.

I was at Camphill as usual on Tuesday.  Not all the guys were there. I think some had covid or had high blood sugar levels because of diabetes. The children who came from Shenley Brook End Upper School came back, and the chairs were put into the usual circle, which is when we checked in so that the theatre workshop gang and the children could introduce themselves again.  

Terrie began by doing voice and body warm-ups. The sort of thing I remember is the actors I worked with when I worked in stage management and done before each performance of a play. I think the children found this activity totally strange, and it looked to me as if they were somewhat uncomfortable with it.

It was more than clear from their body language that the children did not feel comfortable, unsure of what they were going to do. Terrie, the workshop leader, started off which got the children more comfortable, and we all introduced ourselves, as a sort of icebreaker. Then we did the infamous EastEnders game. It has taken me quite a while to get the hang of this game, as it has all sorts of rules.

The game is played with the group standing in a circle. You need space between each player. (If you know the BBC soap, EastEnders, it helps, but if you don't, it doesn't matter. It's set in the East End of London, and the characters speak in a Cockney accent, Estuary English etc. Also, various plot points, character characteristics etc.) It starts off with someone in the team shooting 'Oy!' and facing one way so that the next person can pass on the 'Oy!' (If you know the way they speak in EastEnders, the inflexion of the voice and the severity, you will appreciate this.) If someone in the circle decides not to continue in the direction of the 'Oy!' then they face in the other direction and shout 'Leave it Arrght!' Then someone in the circle faces another person in the circle and shouts 'You ain't my muvver' and the other person returns with 'Oh yes I am!' and they circle each other. When someone shouts 'Get a-a-ght of my pub!' everyone in the circle moves and ends up sitting on the opposite side to where they started. There are other rules which I've forgotten, but it certainly gets things going and is quite a lot of fun.

I think the children were rather uncomfortable with playing this game. Most of them sat with their arms crossed or had a look of total disbelief on their faces, although a couple did eventually join in, only to vaguely 'get' the game. It must have been quite daunting if you hadn't worked in the theatre group or knew what sort of things go on in it, especially these warm-ups.

Terrie then explained that the group was making silent movies. A few weeks ago a trial film was made with some of the group and this was shown on the cinema screen. Terrie wanted the children to have a go at creating their own similar film and to devise something that could then be videoed. They went downstairs to the wardrobe room and selected costumes that they could wear and then help develop characters and a storyline for a film.

I went off for a tea break with the theatre workshop group, whilst the children remained on stage and behind the curtains, rehearsing their silent film. When we came back, they showed us what they'd done, and it was really hilarious. It was quite amazing how these children changed, from being very self-conscious and uncomfortable in the theatre workshop, but left on their own, they soon managed to find something they were completely at ease with. Their piece of theatre was videoed and will be edited together to create a whole film which they will take back to their school.

After Lunch, Terrie told the theatre gang during check-in that she had got feedback from the teacher who had bought the children to Camphill. Apparently, they are some of the most disruptive children in the school, and some of them find being in a classroom situation very difficult. She said that she had never seen them transformed by working in the theatre workshop. This information was so encouraging and quite brilliant. The theatre workshop group were so good when the children were in the theatre, very friendly, and she thanked them for being so supportive of the children. The children wanted to have a copy of the silent film so that they could make their own. So, it seemed as if the whole morning was a success and the children got something rewarding out of their experience. They left at midday, just as we were going off for our lunch break.

After lunch, we had a long check-in, basically, because there wasn't one earlier, because things hotted up when the school children arrived. The other teams making silent movies got on with either rehearsing or doing other things. I think the 'pirates' team didn't do much because most of the team were away, some on holiday, but my group, the 'time-travelling' film team, went downstairs to the wardrobe department to sort out our costumes. I have a suit jacket which I got in the Red Cross shop in Stony Stratford a few weeks ago, but I couldn't find matching trousers, but Terrie pointed out that we were filming in black and white, so their colour or even whether they matched, wouldn't matter.

The day ended when we all met up back in the theatre and everyone got a chance to mention what part of the day they enjoyed most I said it was seeing what the children had produced with their film idea. Yet again, another good day was had by all.

Jam Yesterday, Jam Tomorrow, But Never Jam Today

Friday. 1.40 a.m. Yet another case of nothing being able to sleep. Never mind. I can always find something to keep myself busy, such as washing up, tidying the kitchen, sorting out the recycling and tying up the bags to take to the bin room. I did my Bible reading, which is 'Through The Bible In A Year, with Nicky Gumble.' I do this on my iPad. Then I feel hungry, and so I made several pieces of toast and had a really nice Lidl raspberry conserve on it. (Conserve, having a higher percentage of fruit in it than jam.) And far better value than other brands.

10.40 a.m. It's a bit overcast and dull. Where has the sun gone? I can hear the wind, making wind-like noises (!) The sort of whistling, yet not whistling noise. The sort of wind you'd expect in a rather clichéd production of 'Wuthering Heights.' You know what I mean, at least, I imagine you do, with Kathy outside and shouting to be let in, in the middle of a moor somewhere in Yorkshire. Sad, really, but very corny and the acting is somewhat over-the-top. Melodramatic.

2.30 p.m. I was about to take Alfie out at around 1 p.m, only to discover that it was pouring rain, so we only went out fleetingly. As I write this, the wind continues to howl around the building.

Saturday. 5.50 p.m. Where did the rest of the day go? Well, it began early, with me taking Alfie as usual around 5.00 a.m. We didn't do our usual circuit of Oldbrook Green, but I had all the recycling and rubbish bagged up and ready to take out to the bins. Washing up done and the kitchen tidied.

We had our monthly men's breakfast at the Oaktree Centre this morning. I thought it started at 8 o'clock, so I was there bright and early. There was nobody else waiting, so I sat in the car, listening to Classic FM, with the overture to 'The Flying Dutchman' blaring out of the car radio. I was listening as I drove up Chaffron Way, and, although I'm not a keen Wagner fan, it was very motivational, so I had to sit and listen to it in the car park outside the Oaktree Centre.  I have to admit, I was wondering if I had the day or the time wrong, but then Richard, who organizes the men's breakfast, arrived, with a load of what looked like bread rolls. The building was locked, so we had to wait for someone to come and open the place up.

A couple arrived to do the cooking of the food. They set up two gas-fired barbecue pans and proceeded to fry sausages and bacon. 

The group began to arrive and it turned out that it wasn't supposed to start at the usual time of 8 o'clock but an hour later at 9, which I didn't know.

We ate our bacon, eggs and sausage and drank tea (or coffee) and then we had a talk from someone who used to be involved with S.C.F., on advanced driving, which was very informative and instructive. 

I was planning to go to the history festival at Milton Keynes Museum directly after the men's breakfast, but, because it concluded later than expected, I decided to leave it until Sunday. As a result, and because I didn't want to be cooped up in the flat all Saturday, I drove into the Central Milton Keynes Shopping Centre and had a browse and went into John Lewis as I'm looking for a cable which would allow me to link certain peripherals to my iPhone, iPad and MacBook because Apple has changed the ports from lightening to Thunderbolt/USB 4. I didn't find what I was looking for, unfortunately. I may end up going to the Apple Store to find what I want, but, being a Saturday, the store is likely to be very busy, so I decided to leave it for another day.

I walked through the shopping centre and went to Waterstone's and purchased two books, one on 'How To Be a Victorian,' and the other about 'Peterloo.'

Sunday. 12.45 p.m. My goodness! What's going on? The sun is shining and it's really bright. Almost (Note: I said 'almost'!) like spring!

Came out of church early. Miss having my usual cup of tea, so that I could be ready to go to Milton Keynes Museum for the history festival. There were just TWO spare spaces in the church car park! 

My friend Nick (hello Nick, if you're reading this!) was coming over to Milton Keynes from Northampton on the bus so that we could go to the history festival at Milton Keynes Museum. At around 1.30, he texted me to say he was at the centre, so I drove in and he was waiting near The Point. We drove to the museum and managed to park, although the car park was very full and there were few spaces. Luckily I managed to find a place.

Because I had been to the museum some months ago, and paid and kept the ticket, I was able to enter, free. I have a few months left on the card, so I can go again. Today's history festival covered a vast timescale, from around the time of the Romans, the Medieval period right up to the time of the Suffragettes. There was a gladiator fight (quite scary) as well as a knight's battle from the time of the Wars of The Roses. 

We went into the café and had tea. I was ready for a drink, as by now I was thirsty. Then we went into the main museum building, which was the farmhouse, built in C.1840, at the time well before Milton Keynes was built. We learnt about the railway and Wolverton's part in the history of the railway in the mid-19th century.  We saw a display of Victorian music boxes, a pianola and a gadget which displayed photographs stereoscopically, When we emerged from that exhibition it was time to leave. I took Nick back to the bus stop in the city centre and said goodbye. There is to be a Victorian history festival in June, so no doubt I will be attending that and possibly Nick will come over from Northampton.

Monday. 4.05 p.m. I have done all the usual walks with Alfie and when I took him out at around 5.20 a.m. there was broken glass along the path leading to Oldbrook Green, which some delightful person felt it necessary to drop in our path. Fortunately, I avoided it before Alfie got his feet cut and I moved it out of the way. Not just his feet, but it would have punctured the tyres of anyone cycling along that stretch of path.

I went out, alone this time, with the gimbal and noticed a blue tractor cutting the grass, which I haven't seen before. I think it would be a good deal quicker than the usual mowers they use for this job. I got the gimbal set correctly and the results were a good deal better I have got the video to work on my iPad.

Fun and Frolics at Dexter House (But Probably Not)

 Thursday. 3.00 p.m. I can't believe I have got this far into the day, but written nothing on this blog. I must be slipping. Never mind.

I've been to the Oaktree Centre and got there just before 9 o'clock. Another delightful motorist insisted on tailgating me as I turned left out of Strudwick Drive and onto Chaffron Way. You just can't move out of the way quickly enough for some people. The Acorns playgroup now has two sessions on a Thursday and everything was already set up when I arrived. The gridlocked traffic early on most days of the week is really heavy and it would be virtually impossible to get there any quicker.

I took out Alfie after I'd had some lunch and I was surprised to find that Strudwick Drive, from the Dexter Avenue Roundabout, had been coned off and on Oldbrook Boulevard there was a large truck with its rear section tipped up, and I could see workmen in day-glow uniforms shovelling what looked like tarmac onto the road surface, so I assumed they were repairing potholes. It really is about time such work was done around Milton Keynes. Much of the grid work network has resurfaced (I believe it is continuing as I write this.) but many of the roads within the various grids that make up the city need attention.

Friday. 6.25 a.m. Alfie was asleep when I wanted to take him out at around 5.45. I picked him up as usual and carried him out through the door onto Strudwick Drive. We walked around Oldbrook Green and were back in the flat just as it turned 6 o'clock.

10.25 a.m. I have just heard, from a lady who is covering Dexter House since our S.H.0. (Sheltered Housing Officer), Barbara left, and someone has been appointed for the position. She is currently working for the N.H.S., but it will take around six weeks before she can start, because of having to have D.B.S. checks done and work out her notice.

Sunday. 6.35 a.m. Where did Saturday go? I can't believe I didn't report any of my activities. As I write this, I've been out with Alfie. We did our, by now, an obligatory circuit of Oldbrook Green. It is relatively mild and quite pleasant.

It's St George's Day, and it's supposed to be William Shakespeare's birthday. Happy birthday, William. He would have been 459 years old. Quite a few candles on his birthday cake.

Yesterday I went to Homesense at Kingston. I was looking for a mirror for the bathroom, as the one I have isn't very big. It's okay for shaving, well, more or less. They didn't have what I was looking for, although they had a selection of larger mirrors. I also searched for another duvet cover. King-size. A really great selection, and it took some time to decide on the one I eventually bought. I got two others from Homesense and which I alternate whenever I was my bedding, which is why I thought a third would be a good idea. I needed to get a bottom sheet, flat and also for a king-size bed, but they didn't have any. I don't like fitted sheets, as they never stay fitted, so I will probably go back and have another search.

From Homesense I went to Tesco and bought something for my evening meal and then drove home.

Later, when I was out with Alfie, walking around Oldbrook Green, I saw what I thought at first was a hot air balloon, but then I heard an engine and it was what I think is what is called a microlite. It had a sort of parachute above it and I presume someone sitting in a sort of sling underneath. At first, I thought it was going to land in Oldbrook Green, but it veered off towards the centre of Milton Keynes. I don't know whether it landed within the city. I just wonder how far something like that would travel on a full tank of fuel.

We have just got back from a further stroll around Oldbrook Green and Alfie made friends with two very lively labradoodles (if that is the correct spelling.) The lady who had them on leads then let them off. Alfie, as usual, always wants to be friends and at one point got wound up in their leads!

4.15 p.m.  When I got back from church, I had lunch and then I took Alfie out again. I am determined to do the 10,000 steps and then went out again and did around three circuits, which meant I exceeded the 10,000 steps. Oldbrook Green was heaving, with children playing in the skate park and the playground and older children kicking footballs and throwing some at the netball net. Lots of people walking dogs. One particular dog, which I think might be a shitsu, like Poppy (our old dog). When we approached, it started barking at Alfie. I think the dog is called Mable. Alfie didn't take a blind bit of notice and I'm proud of him. That dog has not been trained the same way as Alfie. Obviously not socialized.

Things Can Only Get Better?

 Friday. 10.50 a.m. It's another bright and sunny morning, but there is still quite a gusty wind.

Saturday. 12.20 p.m. It's quite windy today. I can hear it whistling around outside Dexter House as I write this. The sun is out, and it's reasonably mild, but little else.

Not a lot to report on here. Just another regular sort of day. I went to Aldi to do a shop. I was there around 9.15, and I was in and out of the store within about thirty minutes. A good deal quicker than if I'd gone to Sainsbury's. I think it's because it's a smaller store, with fewer choices, so you don't stand in the aisle attempting to decide which product to buy. The tills are faster, because they've designed their packaging so the bar codes are easier to find and scan, and you pack straight into your trolley and then pack your bags on a shelf. But I can manage to pack straight into my bags. In the process, I think I save around a third, compared to the price of a full shop in, say, Tesco, Morrisons or Sainsbury's. Certainly no loss of quality.

I have now managed to write around 24 pages of new material, which is now transferred from handwritten to word processing. That is somewhere in the region of 6,400 words. It's nowhere near complete, and I am still working on it so that it can be assimilated into what I have already written.

Sunday. 6.15 a.m. The clocks have moved forward one hour. This is the time I usually take Alfie out. I have a feeling that it has rained in the night because I think I can hear the rain outside (just as well it's not inside.) I have checked my bank account by going online. The balance is fine, which means I can go and put fuel in the car before I go to church.

7.15 a.m. Having now been out with Alfie, we discovered a light rain as we came out onto Strudwick Drive and the path awash. It was like walking in a river. Alfie would rather go back indoors, but after I'd picked up after him and went to the bin across Oldbrook Boulevard, we walked home.

1.15 p.m. I have been to church, but on the way, I went to the Esso filling station in Child's Way to fill the car with diesel. I went via Marlborough Street, and no sooner had I turned into Childs Way on the roundabout, that the alarm went off in the car, to warn me that the fuel level was low. I have had the car for around five years and never, in all that time, has that alarm gone off. I knew the fuel level was low because I have been keeping an eye on the fuel gauge.

Having left the Oaktree Centre after church, I had just got on Chaffron Way to return home, when a car came right up behind me, insisting that I get out of the way. I was going around 45-50, which seems a reasonable speed to be doing. The driver would not reduce his speed and remain tailgating me until I got to the roundabout on Fulmer Street, so I decided to peel off to the left. These incidents seem to be getting worse. It seems totally out of order. People don't seem to have any respect for other drivers and just want you to get out of their way, or else. I find it totally unnerving to have a car behind me, almost touching the bumper of my car.

5.45 p.m. Watching the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race on BBC1 (which has just finished, with Cambridge winning both  the men's and women's races.) I'm intrigued by the commentators. Why do they all have such oversized microphones (this is the same with all sports commentators, especially motorsports.)? Is it some sort of 'we're big and important, so we have to stand out by holding such oversized microphones? Technically, they surely don't need to hold a microphone, and not each has one. They could easily have small mics that clip onto their clothing. I think it might be so they have something to hold. They're props. If they didn't have them to hold, they wouldn't know what to do with their hands. Then, why do each of the commentators have them? With four people, it must be difficult for the sound operators to keep the sound balance.

Spring Is Sprung? (But Not Quite)

Wednesday. 6.25 a.m. I was awake at 5 o'clock, so I decided to change my duvet cover and all my bedding. Not my favourite occupation and so, rather than merely thinking about it, I got on with it. So, all the bedding taken off can go in the wash at 2 o'clock this afternoon.

Alfie and I were out around 5.45 this morning. Am I crazy? (Please don't answer that.) But it is light at that time, so it seemed a good idea to take his nibs out. Another trot around Oldbrook Green.l It's been raining overnight, as there is clear evidence by the fact the ground is wet and a very thin drizzle falling.

Thursday. 6.15 a.m. Much the same as yesterday. Out at around 5.45.

12.30 p.m. I've been to the Oaktree Centre to help set up and pack up the Acorn's playgroup, as I usually do  on a Thursday morning. Driving along Chaffron Way I encountered another tailgating driver in a BMW. I was driving at a reasonable speed, which, as far as I am concerned is safe, probably 45-50 mph. Suddenly, the drive of the car decided that I wasn't moving fast enough for him and overtook me, which meant he had to drive on the section of the road which had chevrons on it. I think it's the same part of the road where I had a similar experience of a driver deciding I wasn't getting out of the way for him, but driving in the other direction when I was a driving home from home a few weeks ago. It is somewhat unsettling, and I don't think these tailgaters really care about the effect it has on you. Speeding fast and not caring about anyone else is unacceptable. Many drivers around Milton Keynes are under the mistaken impression that you don't need to slow down and stop when you get to a roundabout. At a later roundabout, a car narrowly missed me as I drove through. I don't like the idea that you signal with your indicators when you are driving ahead on a roundabout. When I was learning to drive, which was in the late 1960s, you used your indicators to turn either right or left, certainly not to go ahead. Mind you, in those days, you used hand signals to show where you intended to move. You stuck your hand out of the driving side window and if you were slowing down, your moved your hand in a circular motion and if right, you stuck your hand out. Not sure how you indicated left, probably stuck your foot out of the passenger side window (only joking!) It seems crazy, thinking about it now. I think if you were to do that today, you would get your arm knocked off! It just shows how driving has changed over the last 50 or so years.

It's quite windy today, even though the sun is shining.

4.35 p.m. The Postman came mid-morning (they seem to be coming a good deal earlier than they usually deliver.) and within the usual junk mail, I got my repeat prescription from Lloyd's Direct, which has come from my app order. I have mentioned that Lloyd's in Sainsbury's is closing down and I would need to find a different pharmacy to make up my medications. I set the app up to take my order and this was a trial to see whether it was going to work. I assumed that the delivery would be made by a van, but isn't. It comes via Royal Mail.

Alfie was booked into Pets At Home in Bletchley to have a grooming session. I left Dexter House at around 1.40 to drive there, and it was easy enough to park outside as usual. I had to wait a few minutes before I could let the groomers get to work as the place was extremely busy. We wandered around the store and they returned. I had found lumps on Alfie's head and on his body, which look as if they might be bites or perhaps warts. I had to tell the groomer because I was concerned that they might cut into them when it was clipped. I left him and then went across to Tesco's to use the toilet and then to Timpson, who has a unit outside, to buy some heel grips for a pair of shoes I bought on Amazon. I almost always find that, when I buy new shoes, the heels can rub until they are broken in, and these adhesive grips help with this problem. 

I collected Alfie at 3.30. I went back into Pets At Home and I could see that they were still working on grooming Alfie, so I didn't want to go into the grooming parlour because I knew if he saw me, he would probably bark, and it would make the groomers work difficult. So I went and wandered about the store for a bit longer before going in to collect Alfie. 

I have to say, he looked so much better for being clipped. He always does. You can see his face properly because they managed to tidy up around his eyes. He was looking really unkempt, and I don't like to see him untidy. We drove back home and I discovered a parcel from Amazon on the doorstep. I had ordered an electric pencil sharpener and a podiatry set. This is because my toenails need cutting and the set of clippers isn't very good. The set is excellent and comes with a set of various instruments for not just your toenails but also your fingernails. As usual, something which I wouldn't have found elsewhere.

8.10 p.m. As I write this, it's raining quite hard.